Breathtaking
scenery with stylish architecture combine to make Chamonix a true
experience for all who visit.

Chamonix is
set at the foot of Europe's highest mountain, Mount Blanc. The
cosmopolitan town centre offers a good range of shops, bars and
restaurants. Argentiére lies just 8kms further up the valley and is
linked by a free bus service (with a ski pass).

The
town itself is based around a core of hotels and villas built at the
end of the nineteenth century, established before cars became popular
(and so leads to heavy traffic). The centre itself has maintained its
charm, with cobbled pedestrian streets, majestic old buildings and
bustling open squares.

Chamonix is part of a chain of ski areas set along both sides of the
valley. The Mount Blanc lift pass covers eight ski areas meaning a bus
or car is essential. Snow covering the higher, north-facing
slopes is good, whilst the south-facing slopes of Brévent and Flégère
suffer in the warmer weather. Chamonix is home to the Compagnie des
Guides de Chamonix, the oldest and most renowned mountain guiding
service in the world.

good points

bad points

great scenery

large vertical drop

short transfer

wide choice of non-ski activities

vibrant nightlife

extensive off-piste skiing

fragmented ski areas

unpredictable weather

heavy traffic

aprés ski

video bars such as Le Choucas and Driver are
fashionable, or try along the Rue du Docteur Paccard. The bars such as
the Chambre Neuf fill up at between 5-7.30pm. The party
kicks off again at about 10.30pm at Arbat with live music. try The
Bumble Bee, Bar du Moulin, La Cantina and the Mill Street Bar. Le Pub
and The Ice Rock Cafe in Chamonix Sud is worth a visit.